The Immigrant Welcome Network of Johnson County (IWNJC) is an immigrant- and refugee-led, membership-based organization founded in 2023 to prevent homelessness and build long-term community power.

While many families first connect with us through immediate needs such as housing and employment support, our work goes beyond services. We organize community members to develop leadership, take collective action, and shape the systems that impact their lives.

Born from a shared vision of empowerment and solidarity among immigrants, refugees, and passionate Iowans, IWNJC is led by a diverse group of founders and board members—many of whom have lived experience as immigrants and refugees. The organization is grounded in the belief that the most effective solutions come from those directly impacted by the challenges they face.

Since our establishment, we have been committed to creating pathways to stability, opportunity, and empowerment for newly arrived immigrant families in Johnson County. We have grown into a network of community organizations and individuals—including landlords and employers—working together to welcome immigrants and refugees into our communities. We advocate for dismantling systemic barriers to economic, social, and cultural success, while building bridges that foster understanding across diverse backgrounds and histories. We strive to amplify immigrant and refugee voices and ensure access to the resources needed to thrive and build new communities.